BISON. BUFFALO. 119 



Among cows, the period of gestation is nine months, 

 and very seldom more than one is produced at a birth. 

 Every part of the animal has its particular use in domes- 

 tic economy, commerce, or manufactures. The ox, too, 

 in many instances, is preferable to the horse in the labours 

 of agriculture. He may be maintained much cheaper; 

 he is less liable to disease ; and after his services are over, 

 his flesh, when well fed, is not the worse, but rather the 

 better, for his previous employment, while the horse at 

 last is only food for dogs. 



THE BISON. 



This is unquestionably a variety of the cow kind, dis- 

 tinguished from the rest by a lump between its shoulders. 

 Like the domestic cow, this animal varies very consider- 

 ably in size, and other particulars. In general, however, 

 it has a long shaggy mane, a beard under the chin, a 

 small head, fiery eyes, a look furious and commanding, 

 and horns placed far asunder. 



The bison is found in all the southern parts of the 

 world, both Old and New. It is capable of being tamed, 

 and in that state acquires a degree of docility and attach- 

 ment superior to the common cow. When in its native 

 pastures, however, it is fierce and dangerous ; and even 

 when reclaimed, may be trained to warfare, as is some- 

 times the practice among the Hottentots. 



The American bison differs in various particulars from 

 that of the ancient continent. Its horns are shorter ; and 

 the hair springing from between them falls over its eyes, 

 and gives it a frightful appearance. The bunch is covered 

 with long reddish hair, and the rest of the body with a sort 

 of black wool, which is highly valued. 



THE BUFFALO. 



Between this animal and the common ox there is a very 

 striking similitude, both in figure and disposition ; and yet 

 there are no two quadrupeds more distinct, or which have 

 a greater aversion to each other. They are unquestionably 



